Professor Impressed with Shen Yun

The full house gave a standing ovation for the June 21 performance of Shen Yun. (Edward Dai/The Epoch Times)

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Audience members applauded the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance that held them captivated for a one night only showcase at New Jersey’s State Theatre on June 21.

Many were captured by the lavish portrayal of China’s 5,000-year-old traditions played out in dance and music by world-class artists who recently returned home from a 2009 World Tour.

Professor Sajadian who specializes in political science, philosophy, sociology, and religion, was impressed that some numbers in the performance exposed the human rights abuses in China by the communist regime.

“It was wonderful because they showed the brutality of the totalitarian regime of China. The human rights abuses over there is a shame,” he said.

When asked what he would tell others about the show, Mr. Sajadian said he would suggest they see it.

“These people make you happy, but also bring tears to your eyes by showing the misery of others,” the professor said.

He spoke of the Tibetans who want to be separate and independent of China and of China’s own citizens who are poorly paid, without unions or health care working in the worst conditions.

“They call us imperialists or capitalists, but they are the most brutal, sophisticated machine of Maoists and leftists. It is inhuman, very inhuman.

“There is no democracy, there is no freedom. It is a total dictatorship. Those people in charge of China right now, they are tyrants.”

A short dance drama in the show “showed the brutality of the Chinese regime. They have no mercy, they have no respect for human values.”

Company Manager: ‘I love it’

Also in the audience was an insurance company manager, Mr. Morillo who agreed that exposing the persecution in China “really hit home ... because you’re persecuting someone on their belief.”

One piece, Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution, depicts the oppression of many families in China today. A father is persecuted to death for his belief in Falun Gong an ancient spiritual tradition, leaving behind a despairing wife and daughter. Theirs is the human face of the countless broken lives we seldom get to hear about.

But as the dance unfolds a message of hope bespeaks of the old Chinese adage that good people are rewarded, even if not in this lifetime.

Overall, Mr. Morillo was amazed by the lavishness of the show featuring exquisitely costumed dancers, soloists, vocalists, stunning backdrops, powerful drum rythms and a full orchestra with award-winning musicians, composers and choreographers.

“I love it. I think it’s a different arrangement of colors. It brings a different cultural value to most Americans that aren’t accustomed to seeing things like this. It’s very unique, in the sense if you’re not aware of what’s out there, it’s something that comes to you that you’ve never seen before. That’s what I appreciate the most.”

Mr. Morillo also enjoyed the Udumbara’s Bloom, a dance depicting the Udumbara flower which blooms only every 3,000 years announcing the arrival of a great sage.

  Please see ShenYunPerformingArts.org for more information.